Legislative Activity

This joint resolution nullifies the Federal Communications Commission's rule addressing the homework gap through the E-Rate Program. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the FCC from implementing measures intended to bridge the digital divide for students' home internet access.

This resolution supports the designation of May 4-10, 2025, as "National Small Business Week". It recognizes the significant role of over 34.5 million small businesses in the U.S. that contribute to the economy and provide over 59 million jobs. The resolution celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements, and resilience of small business owners and their employees.

The Liberating Incandescent Technology Act of 2025, or LIT Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by removing regulations and definitions related to general service incandescent lamps. This bill would eliminate energy conservation standards and specific rules for these types of light bulbs, effectively deregulating their production and sale. The Act terminates specific rules from the Department of Energy related to these lamps.

The Zero Based Regulations Act enforces a review of existing regulations, requiring agencies to justify their rules' costs and effectiveness, and to repeal a regulation before it is reviewed. To reinstate a repealed rule or create a new one, agencies must follow specific procedures, including public hearings and cost-benefit analyses, ensuring reduced regulatory burdens. Each agency must appoint a coordinator to manage the Act's implementation, and new regulations must meet strict criteria, such as reducing regulatory burdens or addressing public health threats, while repealing or simplifying existing rules. The Act aims to streamline and justify federal regulations through regular review and public input.

The William S. Knudsen Defense Remobilization Act establishes a commission to examine and provide recommendations to the President and Congress on strengthening the United States' defense-industrial base. The commission will assess current defense production capabilities, evaluate the impact of federal regulations, and develop strategies to increase industrial capacity for defense production. The commission will submit a report with its findings and recommendations within one year. $7 million is authorized for the commission's activities.

The "Safeguarding Charity Act" clarifies that federal tax exemptions for certain organizations, such as charities, are not considered federal financial assistance unless explicitly stated in law or regulation. This ensures that these organizations are not unintentionally subjected to additional regulations or requirements associated with federal financial assistance. The Act aims to provide clarity and stability to the non-profit sector by defining the scope of federal financial assistance.

The "Accountability in Foreign Animal Research Act" prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from conducting or funding biomedical research involving vertebrate animal testing in facilities located in or controlled by China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to notify specific congressional committees when adding a country to the list.

The LIABLE Act allows U.S. nationals, members of the armed forces, and U.S. government employees/contractors to sue international organizations in U.S. courts for monetary damages resulting from acts of terrorism, such as torture, extrajudicial killing, aircraft sabotage, or hostage-taking, if the organization provided material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. This applies if the international organization is based or has a significant presence in the U.S. The act stipulates that lawsuits must be filed within 20 years of the cause of action.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Louisiana Senator John Bennett Johnston, Jr., recognizing his contributions to energy policy, natural resource conservation, and Louisiana's cultural heritage. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and send a copy of the resolution to Senator Johnston's family. Upon adoption, the Senate will adjourn in his honor.

The DETERRENT Act aims to increase transparency and oversight of foreign funding in higher education by amending the Higher Education Act of 1965. It requires institutions to disclose foreign gifts and contracts, particularly those from countries or entities of concern, and establishes penalties for non-compliance. The Act also mandates policies to manage conflicts of interest and potential espionage risks, and enhances interagency coordination for enforcement. Ultimately, the bill seeks to protect U.S. national security and academic integrity by ensuring greater accountability in foreign funding of higher education.

The "Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2025" directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop and maintain workforce frameworks for critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to support STEM education, training, and workforce development. These frameworks will define necessary competencies and workforce categories, be updated regularly, and consider diverse backgrounds and skills. The Act also requires reports to Congress on updates to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity and its application. Finally, it directs NIST to disseminate cybersecurity career resources for all age groups.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands access to telehealth services under Medicare by removing geographic restrictions, expanding eligible practitioners and originating sites, and making waivers for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Native American health facilities permanent. It also enhances program integrity by clarifying fraud and abuse laws, authorizing additional funding for oversight, and addressing unusual billing patterns. Additionally, the act supports beneficiaries and providers by requiring the development of resources and training, reviewing quality measures, and mandating the publication of data on telehealth services. These changes aim to make telehealth a more accessible, high-quality, and permanent option for patients, particularly those in underserved areas.

The "Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act" or the "ABC Act" requires a comprehensive review of Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs to simplify processes and improve communication for family caregivers. This includes reducing red tape, improving website accessibility, and providing timely and accessible information. The act mandates regular reports to Congress on the progress and impact of these improvements. Additionally, the act encourages states to conduct similar reviews to reduce administrative burdens on caregivers at the state level.

The Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act amends title 38 of the United States Code to expand eligibility for the disabled veterans outreach program. This expansion includes spouses and surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces. These individuals will now have access to career services under this program.

The Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 limits the scope of court-ordered relief, such as injunctions and declaratory judgements, to only the parties directly involved in a case. It modifies the rules for temporary restraining orders and clarifies the scope of judicial review. The act ensures that courts cannot grant relief to non-parties unless those parties are represented.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, recognizing his public service, military service, and contributions to Wyoming and the nation. It celebrates his work on border security, veterans affairs, entitlement reform, and fiscal responsibility, as well as his dedication to various Wyoming institutions. The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing, directs communication to the House of Representatives and his family, and adjourns the Senate in his memory.

The "Restoring Law and Order Act of 2025" establishes the "Make America Safe Again Grant Program," allocating funds to state, local, and tribal entities for law enforcement and crime prevention initiatives. These initiatives include hiring officers, combating vehicle theft and drug-related crimes, prioritizing strict sentences for repeat offenders, and detaining/deporting criminal illegal aliens. The program is funded by reallocating existing funds and rescinding unobligated balances, with the Attorney General overseeing grant distribution and compliance.

The "Safeguarding Medicaid Act" mandates asset verification for all Medicaid applicants and recipients nationwide, requiring states to implement electronic asset verification programs and report data to the federal government. It requires states to apply a resources eligibility test to determine if an individual qualifies for Medicaid based on their assets, ensuring that those with excessive resources are not eligible, with the state determining the maximum resource amount allowed. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) must establish a federal tracking system to monitor savings resulting from asset verification, and states must report detailed eligibility and renewal data. Non-compliant states may be required to implement corrective action plans.

The Advertising Middlemen Endangering Rigorous Internet Competition Accountability Act (or AMERICA Act) amends the Clayton Act to address competition and transparency in digital advertising. It prohibits companies with over $20 billion in digital advertising revenue from owning multiple parts of the advertising ecosystem (e.g., both a buy-side and sell-side brokerage) to prevent conflicts of interest. It also sets requirements for companies with over $5 billion in digital advertising revenue, including acting in the best interest of customers, providing transparency, and ensuring fair access to advertising exchanges. The Act grants the Attorney General and State attorneys general the power to enforce these provisions, including requiring divestitures and creating a private right of action for harmed parties.

The "Crucial Communism Teaching Act" aims to educate high school students about the dangers and history of communism, highlighting its global impact and contrasting it with American principles of freedom and democracy. It directs the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to develop a civic education curriculum and oral history resources. These resources will feature personal stories from individuals who have experienced communism and can compare it with U.S. political ideology. The goal is to ensure students understand the importance of civic responsibility and the dangers of oppressive ideologies.